Manchester City appear to be moving closer to signing Porto defensive midfielder Fernando after the Portuguese club announced a fee had been agreed.

A statement by Porto to the Portuguese Securities Market Commission (CMVM) confirmed that a deal worth £15million (Dh75m) had been struck between the two clubs.

There has been no confirmation from City but the Premier League champions have long been linked with the player.

The statement read: “FC Porto hereby informs the market that it has reached an agreement with Manchester City for the permanent transfer of professional footballer Fernando Reges for 15million Euros.”

City were linked with a move for the 26-year-old Brazilian in January but a deal did not materialise.

Should a move be completed now, Fernando would become City’s second signing of the summer after landing right-back Bacary Sagna on a free transfer from Arsenal.

Fernando would give City manager Manuel Pellegrini an extra midfield option in addition to Yaya Toure, Fernandinho and Javi Garcia.

With City restricted to a net spend of £60million (Dh300m) this summer as punishment for breaching UEFA’s Financial Fair Play regulations, such a deal could represent good value.

Meanwhile, it is understood City have no intention of selling striker Alvaro Negredo, with the Spanish striker reportedly a top target for Atletico Madrid.